Chapter 34, first published on Jinjiang Literature City, Part 34 (two chapters combined)
The morning sun shone brightly on the grassland. Around dawn, the Khan ordered the camp to be packed up and the journey to begin. Everyone gradually got busy.
When Ruan Yu came out of the tent, the sunlight stung her eyes slightly. Xuan Niang and Qing Guo came over and said, "Khatun, the hot water is ready. His Highness ordered that you have some milk and steamed buns warmed up for breakfast."
Ruan Yu nodded and went to wash up behind the tent first.
Xuan Niang handed her a handkerchief: "It was my oversight that I only brought dry biscuits. Your Highness is so thoughtful, knowing you might not be used to them."
Mentioning Chao Lu, Ruan Yu's ears turned a little red: "Stop praising him, the more you talk about him, the more smug you get..."
"Who's smug?" Hela's voice suddenly came from behind. Ruan Yu quickly turned around and said, "Good morning, sister."
"Aunt!" Buhe ran forward and hugged Ruan Yu's leg.
Children are naturally mischievous, but unexpectedly, Ruan Yu lost her balance and staggered back a few steps. In the next instant, she was caught by a strong arm.
Hela: "Buch! Look at you!"
Chao Lu put his arm around Ruan Yu's waist to steady her: "Are you alright?"
Ruan Yu quickly said, "It's alright, it's alright, don't blame Buhe, it was my own fault for not standing properly."
Buhe: "I'm sorry, Aunt..."
"It's okay~" Ruan Yu patted Buhe's head.
Chao Lu said, "Yu Yu's legs were a little sore from riding the camel yesterday, but it's nothing serious, as long as she's not injured."
Hela looked at Ruan Yu in surprise: "Are you alright? Would you like to take a carriage ride today?"
Ruan Yu quickly said, "It's alright." After saying that, she secretly pinched Chao Lu.
Her legs were sore, was it from riding a camel?
I don't know who did it.
Chao Lu coughed lightly: "Has your sister eaten?"
"I've already eaten. I'll go wait for you over there."
"good."
After Hela left, Ruan Yu immediately glared at Chao Lu. Knowing he was in the wrong, Chao Lu chuckled and then suddenly produced a pot of... soil from behind him.
"Here, take this."
Ruan Yu was puzzled and said to Lu, "The bellflowers are growing very well here, but it's not their blooming season now. I asked Afu to transplant one for you."
Ruan Yu could assure her that this was the most unusual flower she had ever received—
A pot of soil that hasn't even opened and might not even survive.
But oh well, after all, it's impossible to expect Chaolu to conjure up any better flowers for her here.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Ruan Yu pursed her lips, reached out and took the potted plant, then handed it to Xuan Niang. Xuan Niang smiled without saying a word, hugged the potted plant, and turned to leave.
Chao Lu smiled and said, "Let's have breakfast, we still have to travel in a while."
As they were about to set off, Chaolu leaned close to Ruan Yu and asked, "Is it really still possible to ride camels?"
Ruan Yu really didn't want to discuss this topic with him, so she quickened her pace. Seeing that she seemed to be alright, Chao Lu was relieved, mounted his horse, and the group continued their journey today.
According to the pace, they should arrive at the Kar tribe tonight. They should rest for half an hour at noon. The autumn sun was warm and cozy all morning, and Ruan Yu even broke out in a sweat. Chao Lu followed behind her at a leisurely pace, glancing over from time to time. Has and Yang Chong followed behind Chao Lu. Yang Chong kept his eyes straight ahead, but Has was getting a little anxious.
Finally, noon arrived, and Has couldn't wait any longer. "Your Highness! I'm going to hunt some rabbits!"
That's how men are; they can't sit still for a moment. Bayar insisted on continuing, Damu wouldn't cause trouble because of his status, and Char wasn't good at riding and hunting.
Everyone looked at Chaolu.
Chao Lu, however, looked at Ruan Yu.
Ruan Yu: "...Go ahead."
This person would follow her even if she didn't go, so she actually hoped to go to Lu.
Chao Lu: "Alright, coming right up!"
Ruan Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
She and Hela went to the shade of a tree, ate some dry food and drank some water, and rested there while chatting.
Ruan Yu couldn't help but ask about the Five Taiji and Six Taiji.
Hela's face was also filled with a faint regret: "My fifth and sixth brothers were born of the same mother. Their mother was not of high status. She was a beauty sent by the Liuyu tribe, but unfortunately, she died young... When she gave birth to twins, it caused a sensation throughout the grassland. Father Khan was very happy at the time, after all, he had two sons at once. He even specially promoted her rank. However, perhaps she was too conspicuous. She passed away when my fifth and sixth brothers were not even three years old."
Ruan Yu's heart skipped a beat: "Why...?"
Hela glanced at her: "You don't know, back then a sudden epidemic ravaged the grasslands, killing many people. The herdsman said that she had given birth to twins and was depleted, so her health was not as good as before, and that's why..."
Ruan Yu fell silent.
"That is indeed a case of beauty being short-lived."
"Yes, I still remember what she looked like. She had a good relationship with my mother, so my fifth and sixth brothers were close to Chaolu when they were young."
Ruan Yu was somewhat surprised, "No wonder..."
"When they were born, Chaolu was seven years old. Ever since they could walk, they had always followed behind Chaolu until Chaolu... went to the tribe for training."
Ruan Yu understood.
When Chaolu was a teenager, he went to other tribes. Not long after he returned, it was Turing's turn.
“Those five Taijis…”
Haila: "Actually, at that time, my father's position was secure, and there was no need to send Taiji out anymore. However, that year, my father believed what the great shaman said: 'In the year of the Red Moon, there will surely be disaster.' After the great shaman finished speaking, my father fell seriously ill. Not long after, my fifth brother also fell ill. My father recovered, but my fifth brother passed away... The great shaman said that my fifth brother had protected my father from disaster. My father was heartbroken and gave my fifth brother a grand funeral. He also released my sixth brother as the great shaman had instructed, saying it was to avoid disaster."
Upon hearing this, Ruan Yu sensed that something was amiss.
"Who is that great shaman?" She had been on the grasslands for so long and had never heard of him. Moreover, she was somewhat skeptical of such a thing. Being sick was simply being sick; there was no such thing as warding off or avoiding misfortune. Wutaiji was young at the time, but the Khan was strong and healthy and had pulled through.
“The shaman clan is a tradition of the Haryan tribe.” Hela looked at Ruan Yu and said, “In those years, the Haryan tribe prospered thanks to the shaman clan and was highly valued by Father Khan.”
Ruan Yu: "...That's why my elder sister was married off to him."
“Yes.” Hela smiled.
"However, the great shaman died after only a few years. Haha, even a great figure can't escape birth, aging, sickness and death. Later, the Haryan tribe itself didn't have much ability, so it naturally declined slowly."
After Hela finished speaking, Ruan Yu had basically figured out the whole story and couldn't help but sigh.
“Actually, there are similar ones in the Central Plains, which we call religions, but I don’t believe in them.” Ruan Yu smiled.
Hela nodded: "Me too."
"Fourth Prince! He has hunted two huge rabbits!" Afu's excited voice came from behind. Hela composed herself: "So fast? Shall we go take a look?"
Ruan Yu nodded and said yes.
The two got up and slowly walked over. Before long, Chao Lu appeared in her sight. He was carrying a cage in one hand, and there seemed to be two rabbits inside.
The rabbits on the grassland were quite large, and Ruan Yu was momentarily surprised when she saw them.
Chaolu seemed quite pleased with himself: "Second brother came up empty-handed again."
Hela smiled and shook her head: "In this respect, no one can compare to you."
Chao Lu looked at Ruan Yu, his eyes sparkling: "Do you like it?"
Ruan Yu's gaze remained fixed on the cage, unblinking.
"If you like them, keep them! It's perfect, one male and one female!" Chaolu handed the cage forward.
Ruan Yu's eyes widened.
"How...how did you know?"
Chao Lu was taken aback for a moment, Hela chuckled, and Ruan Yu belatedly realized how silly her question had been, her face gradually turning red: "Okay, alright, then I'll try raising it first..."
Chao Lu smiled and said, "They're easy to raise; they'll take care of anything, from radishes to cabbages."
Xuanniang stepped forward and took the cage, and Qingguo was also very happy.
Before even reaching Liangzhou, we've already collected quite a few flowers, plants, and small animals.
Buhe: "Uncle, I want one too..."
The children are looking on longingly.
Chaolu thought for a moment and said, "Give this to your aunt first, and I'll get it for Buhe tomorrow."
Buhe's eyes lit up: "Thank you, Uncle! Thank you, Aunt!"
Hela: "Alright, let your uncle rest for a while. You come with me to wash your hands. Were you digging in the dirt again...?"
Chaolu: "I'm hungry, is there any food left?"
Ruan Yu: "You haven't eaten yet?"
"No! I was busy catching rabbits!"
Ruan Yu hurriedly asked Afu to bring over some cakes and dried meat. After sitting down cross-legged at Lu, she looked at her with an expression that spoke volumes.
Ruan Yu slowly walked over and accompanied him.
Chao Lu: "What did you eat?"
"Steamed bun."
"We'll probably have a banquet when we arrive in Karl tonight."
Ruan Yu hummed in agreement. "Is the Kar tribe very big?"
"I guess so. Chaha, Kar, and Aohan are the three largest tribes." Ruan Yu understood, but the relationship between Aohan and Chaha hadn't been good in recent years, so they naturally wanted to get closer to the Kar tribe.
Chaolu: "You can stay with me at the banquet tonight. If I'm not there, you can stay with your older sister. I'll take you back as soon as possible."
This puzzled Ruan Yu: "What's wrong? Is something the matter?"
"No, it's not that. I don't like that place. Una's mother is a distant relative of Chasu, and they're known for their aggressive drinking and forcing people to drink."
Ruan Yu paused for a moment, then said, "Okay... I understand."
Chao Lu swallowed a dry biscuit in a few bites, then gulped down a few mouthfuls of water, causing the veins on his neck to bulge.
Ruan Yu: "You're eating steamed buns too..."
Chao Lu smiled and said, "It doesn't matter if I'm a bit rough around the edges, but I have to take better care of you." After saying that, he reached out and pinched Ruan Yu's cheek, then hung up the water pouch and said, "Let's go, we still have to travel this afternoon."
Ruan Yu stood there stunned for a while before a gust of wind blew by and she felt the heat on her cheeks dissipate a little.
Continue heading east.
As evening approached, the group could vaguely spot the silhouette of the Kar tribe.
Una had no time to leisurely stroll with her sisters-in-law, so she switched to horseback and quickly rode towards her parents' home.
Damu immediately followed.
The territory of the Kar tribe is indeed very vast. Not far away, a large group of people had already gathered, presumably having received the news early and waiting here specifically.
"Long time no see, Your Majesty the Great Khan!"
The man at the front was Gerru, the chief of the Kar tribe, with two other figures beside him. Una ran towards them.
They were Taren, the benevolent prince of the Kar tribe, and his wife, Lady Imin.
Una was overjoyed to see her parents, and Mrs. Imin smiled and took her daughter's hand.
After exchanging pleasantries, Gerru smiled and said, "Tonight, we have prepared fine wine and meat to welcome the Great Khan and Great Khatun. Please!"
Gerru's wife has passed away, and it is said that this strong chieftain has never married.
So when Saren and Yimin met, they exchanged polite greetings, since they were originally in-laws.
Yimin looked up and suddenly saw Madam Qiu behind Saren, her expression pausing slightly.
But he quickly looked away.
...
Ruan Yu followed Haila and Chaolu behind. She didn't really like this kind of occasion, but fortunately, she didn't need to make small talk or show her face.
Upon entering the Kar tribe's camp, the main tent was brightly lit, and the campfire outside was burning fiercely, with roasted whole lamb and roasted suckling pig sizzling. Inside the tent, Chaolu and Ruanyu sat on the right, while Haila sat diagonally behind them.
The men inevitably started chatting, and the atmosphere gradually became more lively.
After the leaders finished their conversation, it was naturally the Taijis' turn.
Gelu looked at Chaolu: "The fourth brother got married this year. Time really flies."
Chao Lu raised his cup to him, and Ruan Yu, knowing the proper etiquette, joined him. At this moment, everyone in the hall turned their gazes toward this beauty from Chang'an.
Yi Min: "The beauties of Chang'an are indeed as good as their reputation. Chao Lu is very lucky."
Ruan Yu generously replied, "Thank you, Madam."
Una returned to her parents' home and did not sit with Damu. Instead, she sat next to her mother, Lady Yimin, and gave Ruan Yu a deep look.
Una also has an older brother named Urgan, who is sitting behind Taren. When Ruan Yu looked away, she suddenly realized that the other man was looking at her.
Ruan Yu didn't know who he was at this moment, and silently withdrew her gaze. Urgan looked at the man, picked up his wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.
Chaolu said that the Kar tribe liked to force people to drink alcohol, and Ruan Yu soon experienced it firsthand. When the fragrant roasted meat was delivered to the tent, a group of singing girls came in with it. They were dressed in red dresses and veils, dancing and going around to the guests' tables to pour and urge them to drink.
This must be Gerru's hobby; he never remarried, but he was never short of women around him.
When a songstress approached Chaolu, she was waved away before she could get close. The songstress paused and glanced at Ruan Yu.
Perhaps feeling a little ashamed or knowing Chao Lu's temper, she didn't move any closer. But in fact, Ruan Yu didn't say anything at all; she just lowered her head and drank some fruity, unidentified sweet water.
Urgan saw this scene and suddenly laughed, "Fourth brother still has the same temper, but this year, it seems that because of the beauty by his side, he doesn't even glance at other women."
Hearing this address, Ruan Yu vaguely guessed the other person's identity. He was Wu Na's brother; if they were close, they could indeed call each other "fourth brother."
Chao Lu glanced at him and smiled faintly: "You said it yourself, I've done the same thing in previous years, so there's no difference."
Urgan, realizing he had made a fool of himself, smiled and changed the subject.
Una was even more dissatisfied and whispered a few words to Emin.
Yimin glanced at Chaolu and Ruanyu again.
The Khan and the Great Khatun were naturally seated at the head of the table, but Lady Qiu, sitting beside the Khan, was also a prominent figure. Most men of standing knew their place and wouldn't look at her too much, but there were always some who were blind to their surroundings. Even in such a place, they couldn't control their eyes and mouths, and after leaving, they couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"Now I finally understand why that lady bewitched the Great Khan. If I were given a beauty from Chang'an, I would be captivated by her too!"
"Shh, keep your voice down, did you see that?"
"I see them, I see them! Two stunning beauties from the Central Plains at the table. My eyes aren't blind... their figures and complexions, tsk tsk..."
"Ouch!"
The man had just finished speaking when he was suddenly kicked from behind and fell face-first into the dirt.
The other person turned around abruptly and saw Chao Lu's cold gaze.
"The servants of the Kar tribe are still so unruly!"
It turned out that several Taijis had suddenly come out with Urgan. No one knew what they wanted to do. These few disrespectful words were overheard by Chaolubayar and Urgan. Urgan was about to reprimand them, but Chaolubayar immediately attacked him.
With that kick, the man was instantly unable to get up, lying on the ground groaning.
Yimin heard the noise: "What's going on outside the tent?"
Una also looked over curiously.
Taren guessed something: "It's probably just barking. It's okay, let's continue."
Bayar walked over to Chaolu and said, "Forget it, Fourth Brother. He's just a dog. Why bother with him? Give him a beating, or at worst cut off his tongue. That will teach him a lesson."
Chaolu looked at Urgan, who came to his senses and smiled: "Fourth Prince, I will deal with these servants. Let's go and see the eagle first."
It turned out that during the banquet earlier, Urgan mentioned that he had acquired a gyrfalcon, but it was unruly and he wanted to invite a Taiji to go and take a look at it. If he could successfully bring it to his tent, he would present it to the Khan.
Khuril immediately became interested and sent Bayar and Chaolu.
That's how the scene at the tent entrance came about.
Chaolu did not give Urgan a kind look. The two women from the Central Plains in the tent were his mother and his wife. Urgan knew this, and he did not protect his own people from being beaten. He even ordered his servants to drag them away and give them ten more lashes.
Chao Lu then went with him to see the gyrfalcon.
After Chao Lu left, only Ruan Yu remained sitting at the table in the tent. Yi Min suddenly smiled and said, "Last time in Zhamuyan, I heard that Si Ke Dun's pipa music was amazing. On such a fine day, I wonder if we have the opportunity to invite Si Ke Dun to play another piece, so that we can broaden our horizons?"
After Yimin finished speaking, Xuanniang pursed her lips and glanced at her own Khatun. Then she heard Ruan Yu smile gently: "Madam is joking. How could I bring a pipa with me on this autumn hunt? Besides, I only just learned to ride a camel, and I'm a little tired. I'm afraid I'll disappoint you."
She answered neither humbly nor arrogantly, and her reasons for refusing were quite sufficient. Yi Min smiled awkwardly: "Yes, I didn't think it through."
Una's face turned even uglier.
Ruan Yu took another sip of her cup without making a sound, finding it all rather amusing.
No matter what, she is still the Khatun of Chaha. Where does Yimin get his confidence to treat her like a songstress?
Madam Qiu gave her an approving look, and Ruan Yu smiled knowingly.
Before long, Chaolu and Bayar returned.
"!" A gasp rippled through the room.
Chao Lu actually brought that gyrfalcon!
Ruan Yu's eyes lit up. She had seen one in Chang'an before. It was a bird of prey. The envoy at the time was afraid of harming the emperor's body, so he chained the gyrfalcon's ankles with iron chains.
This one, without any restraint, rested on Chaolu's arm.
A commotion erupted at the table, and Hurile laughed heartily: "Chaolu! How did you do that!"
Chaolu smiled and knelt down on one knee: "Father Khan, this gyrfalcon is an old acquaintance of mine. I encountered it on the grassland before, and it's been a while since I last saw it. I didn't expect it to be saved by the Crown Prince."
The gyrfalcon is the king of aerial hunting, and Chaolu is a natural hunter. He has roamed all over the Chaha tribe and the surrounding grasslands, so encountering a gyrfalcon is nothing new for him.
Ur chuckled dryly and said, "I rescued this gyrfalcon a few months ago when it was injured, but it was too fierce and wouldn't let me get close. I didn't expect it to be an acquaintance of Chaolu."
Hurile laughed even more heartily: "I see, Chaolu, well done, Urgan is not bad either."
Taren smiled and said, "Since this gyrfalcon is destined for the Fourth Prince, why not give it to him? What do you think, Urgan?"
Urgan smiled and said, "You'll have to ask the Great Khan. I just said that if we can bring it, the gyrfalcon will be given to the Great Khan first."
Hurile smiled and looked at Chaolu, who said, "Presented to Father Khan."
Hurile said cheerfully, "It's destined for you, so I'll take it. You can tame it and bring another one back for Father Khan in the future, how about that?"
Chaolu immediately expressed his gratitude: "Thank you, Father Khan!"
Gerru also praised, "The fourth brother is getting braver every year. I envy the Great Khan!"
Chaolu turned and went to settle his gyrfalcon, while Hurile raised his glass, clearly very happy.
Damu's fist, resting on his knee, gradually tightened, and Saren's complexion naturally didn't look much better either.
Chao Lu quickly returned to his seat. As soon as he sat down, Ruan Yu glanced at him with considerable pride. Chao Lu raised his glass to acknowledge the congratulations from the others, but with his other hand, he quietly took Ruan Yu's hand under the table.
Ruan Yu was stunned for a moment, but did not break free.
...
The banquet finally ended late at night.
Yimin had already arranged the guests' tents, and now the maids stepped forward one by one to lead the way.
Ruan Yu followed Chao Lu out of the tent. A gust of wind blew by, and she suddenly felt her vision blur and her head spin.
She blinked, looking a little confused.
She didn't drink either.
Looking at Chao Lu, who was clearly the one who was drinking one cup after another, he was now chatting and laughing, showing no signs of drunkenness at all.
Ruan Yu pursed her lips, trying her best to stay awake.
Chaolu was talking to Chaer when he suddenly felt his finger being hooked. He stiffened and turned to look at Ruan Yu.
In the darkness, her face was flushed, and her eyes shone brightly. Even more unusually, she took the initiative to tug at his finger.
Chao Lu suddenly felt hot.
Charles also witnessed this scene, and even though Yu Zhu was right beside him, he couldn't help but be stunned by Ruan Yu's beauty at that moment.
Meanwhile, Urgan's gaze drifted over from not far away, seemingly casually.
Chao Lu's Adam's apple bobbed, and he suddenly turned to the side, blocking everyone's view.
"Third Brother, let's discuss this again tomorrow."
After saying that, he turned around and tightly wrapped Ruan Yu's small hand in his arms, pulling her a few steps closer to him.
The next instant, he completely wrapped himself in his cloak and walked forward.
At that moment, all the men smiled knowingly and looked away.
Una and Yimin also happened to come out of the tent. Una said quietly, "Mother, do you believe me now? Look, Chaolu is completely infatuated with her."
Emin sighed, "What a perfect father and son! They're exactly alike! Una, come with me to see your mother-in-law!"
Una glanced deeply in the direction Chaolu had left, her gaze also catching sight of her brother, Urgan, who stood there lost in thought.
"Brother! What are you standing there for! Have you lost your mind?!"
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Author's note: [doge] I had a new idea yesterday, a trope of a middle-aged couple rekindling their childhood romance. I haven't even posted it yet, and it already has 10 more favorites. Wow, that's fast.
My Cousin is So Weird, Give Me Another Kiss
"My husband, if I had met you ten or twenty years earlier, would you have recognized me?"
"Of course, I'll grab you the moment I see you."
"No, please. You've been chasing me for too long. If we could go back to our teenage years, I would be the one chasing you."
————————
The newly arrived cousin of the Jiang family is a beauty of unparalleled grace and charm; it is said that she has come to fulfill her engagement to the eldest son.
Unexpectedly, she was coldly rejected by the eldest son with the words "I have someone else in my heart," and left standing in the backyard.
Everyone in the household sympathized with her, but Nanzhi remained unmoved.
Until that day, when the second son of the Jiang family returned home in triumph, the usually aloof young lady's eyes lit up.
Who would understand? She didn't come for that young master.
-
As night fell, Nan Zhi wiped the medicinal powder off her fingertips and sneaked into Jiang Xuan's room.
"Second cousin, are you asleep?"
The person beneath her showed no reaction, so Nanzhi excitedly leaned forward and took a sniff.
She couldn't get enough of looking at that young face she had missed in her past life.
...
Jiang Xuan has been feeling a bit strange lately. Ever since he returned to the capital and had a cousin at home, he has been having bizarre dreams every day.
The desires in these dreams will one day become uncontrollable.
Feeling increasingly irritable, Jiang Xuan one day knocked over the "soup" his cousin had brought him.
As night fell, Nanzhi sneaked into his room again, making rustling noises.
My wrist was suddenly grabbed.
"Cousin, don't you know how to do nothing after drugging someone?"
"How about I teach you?"
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